Thursday, June 22, 2017

Chidi, could you please share why you are not for Kanu and what you suggest as an alternative in terms of strategy?

Some others argue that Kanu has refined his stance. Now that he has brought his struggle to Nigeria, his methods- both speeches and action, have become wholly non-violent.

He seems to be perhaps the most powerful force in the SE, a reality the Nigerian govt is struggling to deny.

The reality is that when those Ndigbo who oppose Kanu are able to develop and promote a vision of the same depth of appeal as the Biafra vision and do this with the level of self sacrifice as Kanu and his followers are doing, yet persist in their vision, then the anti-Kanu opposition will begin to command significant attention.

Kanu risked death at the hands of the Buhari regime, which from its record with the massacred Shites and pro-Biafra reporters and its support of the community massacring Fulani terrorists, is not queasy about shedding blood, eventually spending two years in prison without giving up his vision.

IPOB followers who have been murdered by the same regime during a peaceful prayer in a church yet persist in the struggle.

For now, the main anti-IPOB group is a revitalized Ohanaeze, who claim their own demands are centred on marginalization of Ndigbo, particularly in appointments. The govt is happy to announce them as SE leaders of thought, but I get the impression they are largely a spent force who command little loyalty from most Ndigbo.

Some Igbos are making a strident effort to seize the narrative from Kanu, presenting themselves as intellectuals who should pursue a restructuring rather than a secessionist vision. The question people like me are asking is 'where were you all these years'? The debates they provoke, however, are vital for stoking the fires of aspiration in finding a way out of the current Nigerian semi-failed state situation.

Kanu's IPOB is now offering grants to schools in the SE who will teach history, particularly that of the SE. A magnificent move, taking the struggle into the educational and cultural realm.

It is my prayer that IPOB persist in their demands for a Biafra referendum, pursuing their goal through vigorous education strategies in the SE and nation wide.

I would be so happy if they succeed in their vision of stopping political activity in the SE through their abstention strategy.

Someone has to do something decisive to break the vampiric structure of the Nigerian state. The IPOB drive is creating shockwaves leading in that direction.

Mazi Cornelius, I do not waste my time with characters like Kanu. You at least know me and several other Igbos, now the question is; does it look like Kanu represents us?

The Kanu hate speeches is being used as a blackmail tool. Kanu tongue-lashes everyone, including those you want to call him to order. All the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria however have their own Kanu.